'Lipinski' Stradivarius Robbery Mastermind Salah Salahadyn Released on Bail

The man accused of masterminding the theft of the 1715 'Lipinski' Stradivarius in Milwaukee on January 27th, Salah Salahadyn has today been released from prison - after $10,000 bail was posted overnight.

Despite the high-profile crime, his attorney argued in court that Salahadyn does not pose a flight risk.

"He has every incentive to show up in court and I don't have any reason to believe that he is a risk to the community or a risk of not showing up in court," defense attorney Alejandro Lockwood has said.

Police will argue the heist's planning dates back well over a decade - to the time when Salahadyn was imprisoned for another art theft.

“His dream theft was a Stadivarius violin because of its potential value and the fact that it could be snatched from the hands of a musician as they walk down the street," a former prison cell-mate has told the authorities.

Salahadyn is scheduled back in the Milwaukee County District Court next Monday - and if convicted will face up to 15 years in prison.

The instrument, conservatively valued in excess of $5 Million, and two concert bows were located in the attic of a Milwaukee Bay View home and have since been returned undamaged.

Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra Concertmaster Frank Almond performed on the recovered Stradivarius this evening to a sold out recital at the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts, in Brookfield – his first public performance since the attack and robbery.

"I would once again like to thank everyone for coming out. I cannot tell you how much the concern and support over the last bit of time has meant to me and my family," Mr Almond has said.